Tips on Selecting first ever budget cruise

[museumlover]

My husband and I hope to join the list of "cruisers" by cruising for the first time in 2010. We are in our 50's and in good health. We will be looking for an affordable cruise that would include some of the following areas: Ephesus, Santorni, Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Egypt. We would treat our cruise as a "floating hotel" since we are more interested in the ports and not in the ship and its offerings. We are fairly independent travelers, having logged thousands of land miles in Europe. My husband has a smoke allergy so we need to stay away from cruises that might have a lot of smoking areas on the ship. Here are my questions: QUESTION #1-What websites are recommended for finding budget cruises? QUESTION #2-Besides this forum, what other websites might provide good background info on cruises and cruise lines? QUESTION #3-Our research so far has produced possible cruises on Royal Carribean, NCL, Celebrity, and Costa. Any opinions on these 4 cruise lines? QUESTION #4-Any tips on finding dependable local tour guides? QUESTION #5-What tips might you give for a first time cruiser? Thanks and happy travels to all.

[138east]

1) Could you quantify in $$/person what you consider a "budget cruise"? It will be easier to offer advice with that information.
2) All the cruise lines have their own websites. There is a ton of information on this web site if you have the time to find it. Tripadvisor can also be helpful.
3) I'm partial to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. No big surprises for Americans on those two lines and NCL. Costa is a European based line - if you choose it, be sure to research it carefully to know what to expect. Celebrity has a restrictive smoking policy. RCL allows smoking on private balconies, one area of the pool deck, one side of the open deck and some (but not all) bars.
4) Check the ports of call forums for endless discussions of each port and tours.
5) There are lots of ways to keep your costs down on a cruise - just research what all the extras are - alcohol, sodas, bottled water, bingo, pictures, specialty coffee, spa, gambling come to mind. Also, be sure to budget for the recommended tips/day. All your food and coffee, tea, and lemonade are included as are the shows and most shipboard activities. Folks in the least expensive inside cabins get the same food and public ship amenities as the folks in suites. For my next cruise on RCL I was able to get a price reduction when the price dropped as well as a Crown & Anchor coupon. I have an RCL Visa card and own stock, so I expect to have about $400 of onboard credit which will cover the tips and wine. Last year our bill at the end of the cruise was $20.

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by museumlover

My husband and I hope to join the list of "cruisers" by cruising for the first time in 2010. We are in our 50's and in good health. We will be looking for an affordable cruise that would include some of the following areas: Ephesus, Santorni, Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Egypt. We would treat our cruise as a "floating hotel" since we are more interested in the ports and not in the ship and its offerings. We are fairly independent travelers, having logged thousands of land miles in Europe. My husband has a smoke allergy so we need to stay away from cruises that might have a lot of smoking areas on the ship. Here are my questions: QUESTION #1-What websites are recommended for finding budget cruises? QUESTION #2-Besides this forum, what other websites might provide good background info on cruises and cruise lines? QUESTION #3-Our research so far has produced possible cruises on Royal Carribean, NCL, Celebrity, and Costa. Any opinions on these 4 cruise lines? QUESTION #4-Any tips on finding dependable local tour guides? QUESTION #5-What tips might you give for a first time cruiser? Thanks and happy travels to all.

If you have a smoke allergy, you probably want to stay away from Costa. It is a European line, and since you've travelled a lot, you know that Europeans tend to be much heavier smokers than we are now in the US.

Of the 3 remaining, I've only cruised on NCL -- and had a very pleasant time. It is a pretty casual laid-back cruise line, no formal nights, flexible dining, and might fit you well as experienced independent travellers.

There are forums on this site that are specific to ports -- you might check there to see what other cruisers recommend for exursions, local tour guides, etc.

TripAdvisor, which is a sister forum to this one, has good information too, about various countries and cities in them, and there are forums there where you can ask about the cities you're interested in.

Of course there are lots of threads here, and all throughout this site, with information for new / first time cruisers. One "luxury" you might appreciate with the cruising experience is that you can get in to your cabin, unpacked, not have to bother with luggage for the week, yet see different cities each day. The bad part of cruising for an experienced traveller is that you rarely spend more than a few hours in each city --

so you might want to look at this as a "taste of..." all those countries, that will whet your appetite to return on a land vacation, when you can spend more time exploring each one.

[grandmato4]

Not having researched the areas you wish to cruise I'm afraid I can't help much but a great place to find infomation on private tour guides is the port of calls section of cc under the ports you wish to visit. Celebrity may be the best line for the most restrictive smoking policy but could be the most expensive. I'm not sure I would identify any of these cruises as budget when I added in airfare and excursion cost but that greatly depends upon ones own definition of that word.

Do book your own air and don't book through the cruiseline unless you pay the diviation fee. Without paying the diviation fee you will not have any control over your flights. Usually better to just book the air yourself without going through the cruiseline at all.

The best advice I can give is to attempt to narrow your choices to two different lines and itinearies and then spend more time here and on the internet researching each of those to decide which you would prefer.

Cruising is a very different experience than doing independent land travel. You are restricted to very specific port times and things happen that can and do change your itinerary. You are part of a small city on board your cruiseship so there are times then one does have to wait in line so don't forget to pack your patience.

IMHO cruising is a great way to unpack for the duration and get to enjoy a sampling of many different places while enjoying your cooking and cleaning being done for you along with someone else doing the "driving" and having the ability to enjoy some entertainment if you wish and meet some very nice people. If one remembers to pack their sense of humor and patience and understands that it is likely that not everything is going to be perfect but you are willing to roll with the punches when they do come along its a wonderful way to sample the world. Good Luck!

[Essiesmom]

My suggestion is to visit a brick and mortar travel agent, sit down and state your expectations and price range. They will know the right questions to ask you to get a good match. Collect an armload of cruise brochures and take them home to study. Another suggestion is to cruise in the spring or fall. Summer in those areas is very hot...just like Arkansas, maybe worse. One of your major expenses other than the cruise itself will be airfare, and since you will be flying that far, it is recommended that you go a day early, to make sure you don't miss the ship...And that means a hotel expense.
One place to research cruises is cruisetimetables dot com. People use this site to see what ships will be in port with them, but you can also find out what ships call there, when, and what the itinerary is. Checking out those cruises might give you an idea of price. EM

[cruisemom42]

Based on the info you've given, I'd suggest that you look at cruises offered by NCL, which is often the cheapest of the lines you listed (other than Costa, which I wouldn't recommend). Also, I strongly suggest that you look at going "off-season" (early Spring or later Fall) to get the best deals. Of course, that assumes sightseeing is more important to you than beach weather. If you want beaches, you'll have to go a little later/earlier.

If you are able to go on short notice, I recommend visiting a number of "online" discount cruise travel agencies and sign up for their emails -- these give you notice of special deals/fares. Some even include airfare.

Another tip: since the Mediterranean is very port intensive, go with the least expensive cabin you can tolerate (inside, if it doesn't bother you) in order to afford a longer cruise. You won't regret it.

[museumlover]

Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions. I'm busy now checking out the websites. I hope to lock in a $80 - $100 per day per person cruise soon. Thanks again!

[Fredr]

Originally Posted by museumlover

My husband and I hope to join the list of "cruisers" by cruising for the first time in 2010. We are in our 50's and in good health. We will be looking for an affordable cruise that would include some of the following areas: Ephesus, Santorni, Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Egypt. We would treat our cruise as a "floating hotel" since we are more interested in the ports and not in the ship and its offerings. We are fairly independent travelers, having logged thousands of land miles in Europe. My husband has a smoke allergy so we need to stay away from cruises that might have a lot of smoking areas on the ship. Here are my questions: QUESTION #1-What websites are recommended for finding budget cruises? QUESTION #2-Besides this forum, what other websites might provide good background info on cruises and cruise lines? QUESTION #3-Our research so far has produced possible cruises on Royal Carribean, NCL, Celebrity, and Costa. Any opinions on these 4 cruise lines? QUESTION #4-Any tips on finding dependable local tour guides? QUESTION #5-What tips might you give for a first time cruiser? Thanks and happy travels to all.

Hello,

If you could tell us how much you are willing to spend cruise only, we may be able to make some recommendations. To answer your questions though here goes...

1. Look at the travel websites such as Travelocity, Expedia, Vacations to Go, Orbitz and Kayak. These sites will give you an idea of what each cruise line is charging. Also, check the cruise line websites for any specials they might be running. Please note that I am not saying that you book with these sites, only that you research their offerings.

Generally, though you are looking at relatively more expensive cruises than Alaska, the Carib or Mexico. And there are some extra expenses in addition to airfare that you have to consider such as a hotel room the night before your cruise, gratuities for the cruise staff, and transportation from the hotel to the ship and from the ship to the airport for the flight home are probably the three most expensive.

2. This is the best cruise website for information...no other site in my opinion comes close.

3. You have left out Princess and HAL. These are excellent cruise lines and will provide you with a very nice cruise experience. RCCL and Celebrity are also excellent cruise lines. I have not sailed on Costa or NCL.

4. You are experienced travelers and going by cruise ship is really no different traveling otherwise. You do your research on each port and determine if you can go on your own or where you cannot. Do not automatically rule out ship excursions because sometimes these are the best way to go. Probably the best for you is that in some ports the cruise line will provide transportation only round trip by bus to a central location in the port city and off you go. This website has places where guides are recommended.

5. Experience formal nights on a cruise ship. Carrying a jacket, tie, and a pair of dress shoes is not going to ruin your husband's luggage and for you, a pair of black pants and a nice top (or what you already have in your closet,is not going to cause any problems. A formal night on a cruise ship is a magical night and at least for a first timer you should enjoy it. other sare entitled to their opinion. Have dinner in the main dining room.

[blindrid]

Originally Posted by museumlover

Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions. I'm busy now checking out the websites. I hope to lock in a $80 - $100 per day per person cruise soon. Thanks again!

The price of cruises are the least of the $$'s. You can find the cruises cheap enough, it's the airfare, pre-cruise hotel, etc that can hurt you.
Make sure you look at the "package price" and not just the cruise.

[EGG]

I'll tackle question 5. Once you've settled on a cruise and ports, go to the ports of call boards for Europe, Med. There you will find more information than you can possibly read on independent tour guides and also doing the ports on your own.

There are also roll calls for each of the cruises. Since tour guides in Europe can be expensive, you often can find other people on your cruise who want to share an independent tour.

[museumlover]

Thanks again! After doing some more research, it seems that the cruise itself will run closer to $100 per person per day (not counting excursions, tips, etc.). This is a great website and you folks are wonderful. We are looking forward to crusing in 2010! In the meantime, if anyone comes up with any more websites to check, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[kitty9]

If you are willing to combine a trans-Atlantic with European ports, you can get some really great deals. I saw one today in our newspaper, that had inside cabins for a 14 day Vision of the Seas cruise that included a few European stops and then a crossing, for $399 a person, for the entire cruise. NO, I'm not kidding. The prices for repositioning cruises are amazing right now, and some even include one way flights to Europe. Find a good local travel agent and check out some of these great offers.

[museumlover]

WoW! You guys are great! We have narrowed down our selection to 2 different cruises. Now, if need to pick one. Thanks again!

[Fredr]

Originally Posted by museumlover

WoW! You guys are great! We have narrowed down our selection to 2 different cruises. Now, if need to pick one. Thanks again!

Hello,

Which cruises are you considering? We may be helpful with suggestions as to what to see and do in the ports you will be visiting.

[EGG]

Sometimes the more specific the question, the more answers you get.

[aussiecruzer]

I can thoroughly recommend the Norwegian Jade Istanbul to Athens cruise we did 12 months ago which included Ephesus, Santorini, Greece, and an overnight stop in Egypt. If you are interested in any further details there are links in my signature below to my cruise review and ports of call review, but if you have any specific questions please ask. A wonderful trip!!

[museumlover]

We have now narrowed down our selection to NCL's GEM on April 24 that goes to Split, Corfu, Santonini, Mykonos, IKraklion, Venice, Dubronvik, Athens, Ephesus, and Napflion and Royal's Navigator of the Sea on April 24 that goes to Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, Alexandria (2 days), and Sicily. While the ports are different, each cruise offers places that we would like to visit. The cost is close (Royal is a little less). Coming in 3rd place was Holland America on April 19 that goes to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Ephesus, Athens, and Messina. All 3 are about the same time, about the same length, and go in the same general area. Any thoughts on ships, cruise lines, etc. ? Thanks again!

[TexasHorseLady]

[quote=museumlover;21497173]My husband and I hope to join the list of "cruisers" by cruising for the first time in 2010. We are in our 50's and in good health. We will be looking for an affordable cruise that would include some of the following areas: Ephesus, Santorni, Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Egypt. We would treat our cruise as a "floating hotel" since we are more interested in the ports and not in the ship and its offerings. We are fairly independent travelers, having logged thousands of land miles in Europe.

You two sound like us! We think of the ship as a 'floating hotel' and it's all about the ports for us.

I am eaten up with european history, and if you are like us in that respect you'll LOVE cruising to the ports you have listed. While it's true that you only get one day in port...it's quite a big full day and I have found that I really got to see and learn a lot going with a guided tour. The ship's tours are usually quite good but you can book an independent one if you like. I would not recommend doing the bus or train route...the logistics of public transportation can be overwhelming if you're on a strict time schedule. You miss one bus and you could miss the boat!

I would choose Celebrity or Holland American, knowing what I know about you. These ships are a notch above in service, stately in their decor, and are big on lectures and information regarding the ports. Not all cruiselines are alike in this respect. Also, I have found that not all cruiselines hire the same excursion guides, and usually if you pay just a little more (Celebrity versus NCL, for example) you get a lot more in this department.

All the cruiselines have specials, sometimes 2 for 1 deals, free airfare, free excursions, etc. I agree that you should work with a real live travel agent with whom you have a good rapport, and then let them find you the deal of a lifetime on a cruiseline that suits your style.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by museumlover

We have now narrowed down our selection to NCL's GEM on April 24 that goes to Split, Corfu, Santonini, Mykonos, IKraklion, Venice, Dubronvik, Athens, Ephesus, and Napflion and Royal's Navigator of the Sea on April 24 that goes to Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, Alexandria (2 days), and Sicily. While the ports are different, each cruise offers places that we would like to visit. The cost is close (Royal is a little less). Coming in 3rd place was Holland America on April 19 that goes to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Ephesus, Athens, and Messina. All 3 are about the same time, about the same length, and go in the same general area. Any thoughts on ships, cruise lines, etc. ? Thanks again!

That's a tough choice, but I would choose the Holland America trip. I have been to most of those places, and all the itineraries are great, I would go back to any of them in a heartbeat! I think the itineraries are almost a tie...they are all so wonderful...you can't go wrong.

I just think Holland American is the cruiseline which might suit you best. Some might argue, but I think most will agree that NCL's overall quality is not quite as nice in the service, cuisine, excursions, and lectures department. NCL has been cutting corners lately. It's still nice, just not as nice. I have never sailed RCI, but I know they advertise that most of their ships have the most things to do, with things like rock walls to climb and movies or bowling. For that very reason I avoid them. (but that's just me!) Holland American is more the old style stately ship with traditional mahogany and brass rather than glass and neon. Little touches like real towels in the ladies room instead of paper towels. And the slightly older clientele and atmosphere mirrors that stately decor.

[cruisemom42]

I'll play devil's advocate and say that -- given you've already said the ship is more of a "floating hotel" to you rather than an experience -- itinerary should trump the the ship or line. All 3 of these lines will provide a good cruise experience. Do I think HAL would be a little better. Likely. But if you prefer the ports on a different cruise, I wouldn't make the trade-off.

I think a lot depends on how important Egypt is to you. If that's a dealbreaker (and Egypt is wonderful ), then RCI is the obvious choice.

If Egypt isn't a dealbreaker (or you plan to do Egypt or have done Egypt on a land tour), then I'd place RCI's itinerary last. I actually like NCL's itinerary best.

All of the ships go to Athens and Ephesus, so that's a given. Which of the other ports are most important to you?